https://leader.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=1912327Appalled by Telephone InterfaceI am sadly appalled (there is no kind word) by the new telephone interface at the national office. While trying to get information about a member benefit, I wound up in the ever-more common purgatory of finding no options that “fit” on the new limited menu, and wound up holding ...2014-10-01T00:00:00Inbox

I am sadly appalled (there is no kind word) by the new telephone interface at the national office. While trying to get information about a member benefit, I wound up in the ever-more common purgatory of finding no options that “fit” on the new limited menu, and wound up holding for what appeared to be forever when opting to use the 0 option to try to get a live person. For a group that is all about good communication, the new system is sadly ironic. It may save money, but it’s horrible communication, despite the endlessly looping “custom-written song” about why it’s important to speak and listen to others. To quote it, “Speak to me of your sadness”—I can now identify at least one cause. Please improve the interface for members and the public calling the NO.

Nan Bernstein Ratner, Bethesda, Maryland

As a result of the new 2014 speech-language pathology certification standards that became effective Sept. 1, the Action Center received an unprecedented number of calls from applicants in June, July and August. The higher volume of unanticipated calls resulted in longer response times during this period. ASHA is investigating ways to avoid this situation in the future.